Jim Schlenker

On Saturday, August 8, 2020, James Leon Schlenker peacefully passed away in his Sheridan, WY home. We were blessed with 68 years of knowing “Jim” as a hard-working father, loving grandfather, caring brother, and selfless veteran. Jim was born on June 18, 1952 in Belle Fourche, SD to Raymond and Lorraine Schlenker. He grew up in South Dakota with his parents and three siblings, Charlie, Tom, and Rita. Jim was in the United States Navy from 1970 – 1978.

After his years in the Navy, he moved to Sheridan, WY, and later became a father to Bobbie-Jo. After Bobbie-Jo was raised, he spent time in North Carolina where he was a volunteer for the Red Cross and was recognized as the volunteer of the year two years in a row. He spent his remaining years in Sheridan where he could have been seen either serving the community, enjoying the company of his daughter and three grandchildren, making people laugh with his jokes, or going back for a third plate of food at a gathering.

Jim spent his life volunteering and selflessly helping others. He was an honorable man who would do anything for anyone in need. He received the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award in Sheridan County by the Council of Social Agencies. He truly dedicated his life to serving veterans and our country. He had over 5,000 hours of volunteer time at the Sheridan Medical VA Center, over a decade serving as the commander of the American Legion Post 7, years running a homeless veteran program, countless hours volunteering for Disabled American Veterans, and the list continues.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Schlenker, his mother, Lorraine Schlenker, and his sister, Rita Culverhouse. He is survived by his brothers, Charlie (Sue) Schlenker and Tom (Deb) Schlenker, his daughter, Bobbie-Jo (Bill) Husted, his grandchildren, Corrina (Patrick) Smith, Meagan (Adam) DeNio, Sherman Husted, three great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim’s family was the light of his life.

Jim was always the first one to lend a helping hand and the last one to ask for a helping hand. He taught his family what it means to live your life dedicated to others. He left a legacy… Care about others more than yourself.

A Celebration of Life service with military honors for Jim will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2020, at 2:00pm at Big Horn Mountain Eagles, 1760 Commercial Ave., Sheridan, WY 82801. Military honors will be held promptly at 2:00pm.  To honor Jim, memorials may be made out to VFW Post #1560, 758 Broadway St., Sheridan, WY 82801; the Disabled American Veterans local chapter, 1898 Fort Rd., Sheridan, WY 82801; or “just reach out to a vet today.”